Contributors: J. Baird, Extension Soil Science Specialist, J.R. Baker, Extension Entomology
Specialist, S. Bambara, Extension Entomology Specialist, R.L. Brandenburg, Extension
Entomology Specialist, A.H. Bruneau, Extension Crop Science Specialist, W.M. Lewis, Crop
Science Extension Specialist, L.T. Lucas, Plant Pathology Extension Specialist, C. Peacock,
Crop Science Turf Research, M.A. Powell, Horticulture Extension Specialist, R. Sneed,
Extension Agricultural Engineering Specialist, R. White, Crop Science Turf Research
MISCELLANEOUS PESTS
(Those Inhabiting Lawns and Turf But Not Damaging Turfgrass)
Grasshoppers are usually not pests of well-kept lawns or golf fairways, except when the
insects are very numerous and other foliage is extremely scarce during a drought. Control
measures are seldom necessary.
Millipedes and Centipedes (thousand-legged worms and hundred-legged worms
respectively) are dark brown with many body segments. Most of them curl up when disturbed.
They do not damage lawns; however, they occasionally congregate in yards after heavy rains and
migrate into houses. They feed on decaying vegetable matter.
EARWIGS
Photo courtesy of Dr. Jim Baker, North Carolina State University
Earwigs are 3/4 inch long, reddish
brown and have a prominent pair of forceps on their tail end. They are occasionally found on
lawns, especially in grass clippings. Earwigs sometimes invade homes, and thus become
household pests.
SLUGS AND SNAILS
Photo courtesy of Dr. Jim Baker, North Carolina State University
Slugs and snails may move about on
lawns and damage flowers and potted plants. They also leave mucous trails on plants and
sidewalks.
Sowbugs and Pillbugs live in damp areas under stones, boards, dead leaves or in
basements. They feed on organic matter in the soil and sometimes on grass and other plants.
Control measures in lawns are seldom necessary. If they should be needed, apply one of the
insecticides recommended for control of grubs.
Chiggers and Ticks Several kinds of ticks, as well as chiggers, infest lawns. Although
they do not damage grass, they are pests of people and animals. Ticks drop on lawns after
feeding on dogs and rodents, while chiggers usually invade lawns from surrounding grassy and
wooded areas.
Fleas occasionally spread to lawns from infested dogs, cats or nearby animal quarters.
They may attack people or pets.
Spidersare found about the lawn, on flowers, plants and shrubbery. Most spiders are
harmless to people and appear occasionally on lawns and about the yard. Control measures on
lawns are seldom necessary.
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Last Modified: 07/10/96